RUMOR: The new CLC-Class is expected to bow at New York Auto Show in April 2012

From a recent Inside Line report, we learn the new Mercedes-Benz CLC compact 4-door coupe will celebrate its world premiere at next year's New York Motor Show in April.

In the same article, it is cited the information was confirmed by a company official during an interview, who also referred to the car as 'a true Mercedes'. Perceived as the little brother of the CLS, the new CLC will display a self-assured exterior styling, with a sloping roofline and bold, curvaceous surfaces. The engine lineup and the technical platform will be shared with the forthcoming A-Class and insiders claim a hardcore AMG version with over 300 hp and all-wheel-drive chassis is also possible in the next years.

However, caution is the best attitude when dealing with such rumors. There were several similar stories in the past when the facts mentioned never came true. The CLC-Class entered the development phase in mid-2011 under the internal codename 'C 117'; test prototypes are spread all over the world and still wear a good dose of outer camouflage, so it's decent to state the NYIAS 2012 may be a bit early in the calendar, also considering that period will be very busy and rich in premieres for Mercedes-Benz. Take for instance the unveiling of the new A-Class, which certainly has to happen before this niche model rolls out. And not to mention the new CLS Shooting Brake and possibly a new concept. The fleet of all new vehicles would be then too crowded and one might be in danger of not receiving the needed attention and thus passing relatively unnoticed by the media. To us, the Paris Motor Show would be the more likely stage for the reveal of the new CLC.